Over 100,000 customers have registered for Airtel Insurance, since it was launched in January this year, Airtel Ghana said in Accra yesterday.

In January, Airtel Ghana, in partnership with MicroEnsure and Enterprise Life, launched a free insurance product for Airtel customers.

Airtel Insurance offers Airtel customers life, accidental permanent disability and hospitalisation insurance with benefits increasing based on recharge and is the most comprehensive insurance product available through a mobile network operator in Ghana.

Claims have been received and paid through Airtel Money within 72 business hours after receiving the required valid claim documents.

“With this important early milestone, Airtel Insurance has established the gold standard for mobile insurance worldwide. With three free insurance covers and the fastest claims service in Africa, Airtel is proving that it is more than a communications provider; it is a friend in a time of need. MicroEnsure and Enterprise Life are proud to stand behind this groundbreaking product,” said Peter Gross, Regional Director for Africa at MicroEnsure.

Prince works as a private transporter and has been an Airtel customer for some time now. He was recently admitted to hospital for surgery and had to use his children’s school fees to pay his bills.

Prince continues: “I remembered I had insurance with Airtel, so I called 580 and Airtel came to my rescue. Within minutes, I had GH¢150 in my hands with no hassle at all, and I was able to get back on safe financial footing.”

Commenting on the payouts, Andre Beyers the Chief Marketing Officer at Airtel Africa said, “The first claimant, who originally thought he would have to sacrifice his children’s school fees to pay his hospital bills, received US$70 in just one hour and 12 minutes after submitting his claim documentation. Together with our partners, we will ensure that this is a service that takes care of its customers when they need it most.”

In his comment on the rapid growth of customers taking up the insurance package, Marketing Director of Airtel Ghana, Manu Rajan said, “Airtel believes in providing relevant services to its customers. We are pleased with the rapid uptake of this service and the convenience it provides to customers through the payment of claims via Airtel Money.”

“With Airtel Insurance, we are providing something that has previously been unattainable to many of our customers, and we’re doing it for free to thank them for staying on our network,” he added.